The weeks passed with Dr. Matthias keeping a close watch on my pregnancy. His moving in with us had been a blessing, and he seemed to take it in his stride, not fearing to ask for anything that he needed. His weekly examinations became a routine part of our lives. The pack respected him for his knowledge and dedication and offered to help him whenever they could. As my belly grew, so did my anticipation and anxiety. But my friends from school, Lily and Sophia, who I had become distant with, came back into my life and brought with them a welcomed distraction. They began to visit regularly, their laughter filling our home and the whole compound with a sense of normalcy. One sunny afternoon, Lily and Sophia dropped by. I greeted them with a warm hug, grateful for their unwavering friends

